Foods that are dangerous to your dog

While dogs can eat some of the same foods that we humans do, there are many foods which dogs should not eat. Some common foods you may have at home could even kill your pet if ingested in abnormal amounts. The following is a list of foods which should NOT be consumed by your dog.

Grapes and raisins – Can cause kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving of raisins can kill a dog.

Onions – Destroys red blood cells and can cause anaemia.

Chocolate – Can cause seizures, coma and death. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous since it is the most concentrated.

Coffee and tea – Drinks containing caffeine can cause seizures, coma and death.

Macadamia nuts – Can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis.

Animal fat and fried foods – Excessive fat can cause pancreatitis and diabetes.

Bones – Particularly chicken bones can splinter and damage a dog’s internal organs.

Raw fish – Particularly raw salmon can cause poisoning in dogs.

Tomatoes – Can cause tremors and heart arrhythmia.

Avocados – The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart.

Nutmeg – Can cause tremors, seizures and death.

Apples, cherries, peaches and similar fruit – The seeds of these fruits contain traces of cyanide which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans. Unlike humans, dogs do not know to stop eating at the core/pit and easily ingest them.

Raw eggs – Can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs. Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans and are not as likely to suffer from food poisoning, but it is still possible.

Salt – Excessive salt intake can cause kidney problems.

Prepared cat food – Although not dangerous, if eaten regularly or in large amounts, can cause obesity and diabetes.

Vegetables – Dogs have shorter digestive tracts than humans and cannot digest most vegetables whole or in large chunks. It is recommended to put the vegetables through a food processor before giving them to your dog.

Dairy products – Use with caution as they are high in fat and can cause pancreatitis, gas and diarrhoea.